Crystal Anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum)


Crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), a prized house plant, is popular for its classy dark green, velvet-textured ornamental leaves. Under good lighting, the prominent silvery white veins on the broadly ovate foliage reflect like a shining crystal, hence its common name.

Foilage of crystal anthurium Foilage of crystal anthurium

Native to Central and South America, from Panama to Columbia, the crystal anthurium grows as an epiphyte on top of tree trunks and branches. Anthuriums are a common sight on Cloud Forest Mountain at Gardens by the Bay amongst the wall of famed epiphytes (yes we know, #houseplantgoals!) – try spotting the crystal anthurium on your next visit!

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In Singapore’s context, the warmer temperatures and high humidity are just perfect for the swiss cheese plant. It will thrive under indirect light and in well-draining soil – do ensure that the planter has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. This will be a good plant to start with if you are new to houseplants! Swiss cheese plants are available at most nurseries and even at the local supermarkets.

Why not try your hand at it?

Botanical Name

Monstera adansonii

Common Name(s)

swiss cheese plant, swiss cheese vine

Plant Type

Climber or ground cover

Mature Size

1 metre in height and 0.5 metres in spread (as a houseplant)

2 to 4 metres in height (in nature)

Light

Indirect light

Water Let soil surface dry between periods of watering (ensure planter has drainage holes)
Soil

Well-draining soil

Flowers

Pale yellow spadix enveloped by white to cream-coloured spathes. Rarely flowers as a house plant.

Toxicity

All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystal – toxic when ingested. Poisonous to cats and dogs.




Written by: Agatha Koh, Manager (Education, Programming & Events)

Agatha has spent the last ten years in a green paradise of every kind – greenhouses, orchards, food forests, therapeutic gardens, nature parks. Her days at the Gardens continue to be happily plant-filled as she shares her love for plants with fellow green thumbs and floral fanatics!


This article is part of our Bringing the Gardens Home series.